We Young Ladies about Town like nothing more than a bit of good old-fashioned socialising. For every modern show, modish party or restaurant opening, there is always scope for harking back to the glory days of good times past.

The Langham is doing just this with the opening of the Sipsmith Gin Palace. The opulent surroundings and tasty tipples are reminiscent of the original gin palaces of the mid 1800s, when the doors to this luxurious hotel first opened.

Sitting in plush seats, enjoying the rousing repertoire of the live band, the cocktails are the cherry on top of this sensory overload. We sampled Gineveristic – a blend of gin, lime juice and champagne (amongst other things) elegantly served in a china teacup.

The Sipsmith distillery is the first to open in London for 200 years, and the quality of the gin is evident in every concoction. While Gineversitic was sweet and decadent, the Ginger & Lilly was a refreshing combination of Sipsmith gin and ginger and lilly cordial. It was served equally creatively in a long-stemmed glass. My guests and I marvelled at the oversized, circular ice-cube bearing the Langham logo in tiny bubbles (this attention to detail is very impressive at the best of times, not least when you’re two cocktails down).

Each of the cocktails is paired with a recommended small plate which are available to order throughout the evening. The Langham’s Palm Court (in which the Sipsmith Gin Palace is erected) is known for the deliciousness of its afternoon tea, and this evening selection of foodstuff is certainly of the same standard. The menu is inventive and irresistible, including delicacies such as Wheat Beer Braised Veal Cheek with Gremolata and Apple and Gingerbread Crumble. All reasonably priced at £7.50 (or three for £20), you have every excuse to try them all.

The Sipsmith Gin Palace will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until the end of October. Coupling a modern attitude to creative dining with a pleasing blast from the past, it is worth travelling to The Langham (and maybe even a little bit back in time.)